She never felt sorry for herself, and that was something I decided I admired most in people.

Confidence doesn't come from thinking you're perfect or flawless. That's arrogance. Confidence comes from appreciating the beauty of your texture.

Mom told us we would have to go shoplifting. Isn't that a sin?" I asked Mom. Not exactly," Mom said. "God doesn't mind you bending the rules a little if you have a good reason. It's sort of like justifiable homicide. This is justifiable pilfering.

I wanted to let the world know that no one had a perfect life, that even the people who seemed to have it all had their secrets.

Look at the way you live. You've sold out. Next thing I know you'll become a Republican." She shook her head. "Where are the values I raised you with?

Interesting people always have a past.

Mom always said people worried too much about their children. Suffering when you are young is good for you, she said. It immunized your body and your soul.